Cab Corners

While I am waiting for patch panels, engine and rear axle repair, I'm going to work on the cab corners. I cut a patch and will finish the edge with 3/8" tubing. I believe this looks better than leaving the rear edge of the door opening exposed. Hope it turns out as good as I picture it in my head!!!

front crossmember install

Out with the old, in with the new. Tim Buyse shortened the crossmember, then tack welded in place. Next comes the rear differential. Then I'll concentrate on It's attitude or maybe altitude!!

New Front Crossmember

The new front cross member lowers the front of the frame 1 1/2" in. But, It is too wide by 3/8". What to do? Force it or cut 3/16" from each side? I'm going to find a way to cut to length. Update coming......

1942 ford flathead rebuild

Engine rebuild is coming right along. Not as quickly as I would like, but at a reasonable pace and with the utmost attention to detail. I'm fortunate to have someone that has a long history of experience with these engines and is doing the job right the first time.

hotrod front suspension

The front suspension is assembled and now I can mock up the frame with the rear suspension and differential. The engine should be finished in the next 7 - 10 days, After I adapt the transmission to the engine I will assemble the running gear. In the meantime, I'll continue to work on the body. Hope to have all the patch panels in by the end of August.

patch panels

Bryce cut out the rust spots and fit the patch panels to the lower front of the cab. Next comes the adhesive and filler. Thanks for the help, Bryce!!!

rear axle and suspension

The bearing carriers at the axle ends have been replaced and I can now reassemble the differential and rear suspension. While I am waiting for the suspension parts to arrive, I will install the patch panels on the bottom of the cab that FINALLY got here. I intend to use an adhesive in place of welding. This is going to be a new experience and I'll keep you posted on how things go.

windshield frame

I've finished the opening for the windshield and now sizing the frame to fit the opening. Tim Buyse chopped the frame and I need to do the final trim. Then will take to a glass shop for the safety glass. So far - so good!!

windshield posts

I've finished roughing in the windshield posts. This is after the first fill and things are looking pretty good. Next I will shorten the windshield frame . Hopefully, the opening will be square and the reveal around the edge will be consistent. I'll keep you posted on how things work out.

Rusty tin

One of the many rust spots that have been or need to be fixed....

I'm finalizing the top edge of the windshield and trying to determine the seat height. I want to sit low enough to just look over the top of the windshield. The picture on the right indicates that I am setting about 4 inches too high, so I removed 2 of the 2X4's that were under the mocked-up bench. This, to my eye, looks better. I still have enough room to extend my legs.

Engine update

Further investigation reveals that what I thought was a 100hp 1948 - 239cu engine is in fact a 80hp 1942 - 221cu motor. Which turns out to be good news in that the scored cylinder will not need to be sleeved and all the cylinders can be bored to the 239cu configuration. I will be using what was once termed a "3/4 Race"cam and a two carburetor intake which should bring this engine close to the stock 100 horsepower rating. WOW!! what will I do with all that horsepower?

frame cleanup

After cutting the water tank mounts from the frame, my nephew, Bryce, smooths the welds in preparation for powder coating....

My son, Will, welding the 3/8" tubing to top edge at the rear of the cab.....